Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
I’d say my work is whimsical, quirky and simple

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
I’ve had a few different creative spaces but one thing that has been present in all of them (apart from hot drinks and music) is found objects. I love collecting things I find outside, be it bits of nature, metal, anything really that spikes my interest. What I really like is then being able to incorporate them into my work, though this is probably more visible in my 3d work like my paper-maché houses.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I like to use varied materials when I’m working and hardly ever just use one but I really love to paint and my current favourite is acrylic-gouache.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
There are so many but three artists that come to mind straightaway are Mary Fedden, Alfred Wallis and Laura Carlin.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I’m pretty happy where we are to be honest. I love the fact that art is so easily accessible these days and there are so many different ways of making art and sharing it too.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I loved reading as a child but would get really excited by books that had illustrations, even the black and white ones – I felt like there was so much more being said in the pictures. I suppose my love of illustration began then.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
This is my studio which is in the upper part of my house. I feel lucky to have such a big space. Despite my best efforts, I make quite a bit of mess when I’m working so it’s looking quite tidy here.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

I love it when I’ve almost finished a painting and it’s just a question of adding the finishing touches, the little things that can often just bring the whole piece to life.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
I’d say if it’s what you really want to do then just keep going, work regularly, be open to learning new skills, nurture your own style and when possible avoid comparing your work to other people’s.

Rachel lives in France but was born and grew up in the North of England. She feels lucky to spend most weekdays in her studio with her dog-come-studio-assistant, Ziggy. In other news Rachel is working on some illustrations for a couple of children’s books she has written.

For more information, please visit Rachel’s website or follow her on instagram.

June 10, 2021 at 12:33AM Katrin Dreiling